Chain link with angularly disposed end portions

ABSTRACT

A chain link has a substantially centrally located juncture section with a first eye portion integrally connected to one end of the juncture section and a second eye portion integrally connected to the opposite end of the juncture section. The eye portions extend longitudinally outwardly from opposite ends of the juncture section and are disposed at a substantial angle relative to each other at opposite ends of the link. Such link may be connected to contiguous links to form a segment of a chain, with all of the links in a segment of chain thus produced having substantially the same orientation when the chain is held straight.

FIELD

[0001] The present invention pertains to chains and chain links ingeneral and more specifically to such chains and chain links adapted foruse as hoist chains for heavy equipment.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many forms of heavy equipment require chains which have verylarge load hoisting, or lifting, capabilities. One such field of use forheavy lifting chains is in draglines which are commonly used forremoving large volumes of material, such as dirt, loosened ore, etc.Draglines work by dragging a large bucket along the surface to scoop upmaterial and are available in a variety of sizes.

[0003] Heavy equipment, in the form of draglines are some of the mostmassive mobile equipment produced, with the largest having capacities inexcess of 100 cubic yards per bucket load.

[0004] The loads on the hoist and drag chains and their links of suchequipment are massive. These loads dictate the use of specialized chainlinks made from high strength alloy steels. In addition, these chainsand chain links must be designed to endure a tremendous amount of wear.

[0005] The structure and operation of a typical dragline requiring suchmassive and high load carrying chains and links is described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,170,248 which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Heavy equipment such as, but not limited to, draglines produces aneed for chain incorporating chain links having a rather massive, orsubstantial, cross-section and structure which is capable ofwithstanding the high loads imposed thereon.

SUMMARY

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a chain link that can beused in chains for heavy equipment and is suited for high-loadapplications.

[0008] Another object is to provide a chain having links which are soconfigured that multiple contiguous links may be assembled in the chainin substantially the same orientation.

[0009] The chain link of one embodiment has a substantially centrallylocated juncture section, a first eye portion integrally connected toone end of the juncture section and a second eye portion integrallyconnected to the opposite end of the juncture section, with the firsteye portion being disposed at a substantial angle relative to the secondeye portion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention the first eye portion occupiesa first plane and the second eye portion occupies a second plane and thefirst and second planes are disposed substantially normal to each other.With such configuration contiguous chain links may be assembled in alength of chain with the eye portion of a link at one of its endsdisposed substantially horizontally and the eye portion at the oppositeend disposed substantially vertically, such that the horizontallydisposed eye portion of one may interconnect with the verticallydisposed eye portion of a contiguous link throughout the length of theinterconnected links.

[0011] In an embodiment, the cross-section of the juncture section issubstantially rectangular and each eye portion comprises a generallyV-shaped root section connected to a substantially half-torus shaped endsection.

[0012] In another embodiment the eye portion is substantially a majorportion of a generally torus-shaped section connected to a juncturesection having a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0013] The chain link preferably is made of a high strength cast alloysteel, with the link being monolithic and cast in the configurationdesired.

[0014] A chain can be fabricated by casting a first set of links andthen integrally casting a second set of links, wherein each second setof links is situated between a pair of first set links and the links areoriented in an alternating fashion. Contiguous links may be disposed insubstantially similar orientations.

[0015] Subsequent to the casting process, the chain links preferably areheat treated to increase the hardness of their outer surfaces andtensile strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dragline bucket and supportchains connected thereto having links of a configuration according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a segment of one of thehoist chains showing a number of interconnected chain links according toan embodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of a single chain link removedfrom the segment illustrated in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view of the chain link takengenerally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the chain link taken generally alongthe line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

[0021]FIG. 6 is an end view taken generally along the line 6-6 in FIG.5;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines7-7 in FIG. 4;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line8-8 in FIG. 5;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally alongthe line 9-9 in FIG. 5;

[0025]FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a segment of a chainshowing a number of interconnected chain links according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 11 is an enlarged illustration of a single chain link removedfrom the segment illustrated in FIG. 10;

[0027]FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevation view of the chain link takengenerally along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the chain link taken generally alongthe line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

[0029]FIG. 14 is an end view taken generally along the line 14-14 inFIG. 12;

[0030]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line15-15 in FIG. 12;

[0031]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line16-16 in FIG. 13; and

[0032]FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally alongthe line 17-17 in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Referring the drawings, and first more specifically to FIG. 1, alarge dragline bucket 10 is shown supported by hoist chains 12, dragchains 14, and dump cables 16. This entire assembly would be suspendedfrom the end of the boom of a dragline machine and is capable of beingmanipulated to dig, or scrape, a quantity of material to substantiallyfill bucket 10 and be transported to a dumping location, and thecontents then dumped.

[0034]FIG. 2 shows a segment of chain such as could be used for hoistchains 12 or drag chains 14. The chain links in the segment illustratedare constructed according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0035] The segment of chain illustrated includes four substantiallysimilar chain links indicated generally at 20, 22, 24, 26, respectively.The links are pivotally connected in series and all are disposed insubstantially the same orientation when the length of chain is heldstraight as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3-7, a chain link, such as 22, is illustratedin enlarged fashion removed from its interconnection with other chainlinks. The chain link in the embodiment illustrated is a monolithic castmetal member. It is elongate, having a longitudinal axis indicatedgenerally at 28 in FIG. 3.

[0037] The chain link illustrated has a substantially centrally locatedjuncture section 30, a first eye portion 34 integrally connected, orformed, to one end of the juncture section, and a second eye portion 36integrally connected to the opposite end of the juncture section.

[0038] The eye portions have open central region 34 a, 36 a,respectively, with central axes 34 b, 36 b, respectively, extendingtherethrough. Central axes 34 b, 36 b each extend substantiallyperpendicular to longitudinal axis 28. Central axes 34 b, 36 b aredisposed at a substantial angle relative to each other. In theillustrated embodiment, axes 34 b, 36 b extend substantially normal, orat substantially 90 degrees, relative to each other and occupy planesdisposed substantially normal to each other.

[0039] Each of the eye portions comprises a generally V-shaped rootsection 34 c, 36 c, respectively, connected to a substantiallyhalf-torus shaped end section 34 d, 36 d.

[0040] As best seen in FIG. 8, juncture section 30 is substantiallypolygonal (in this case rectangular) in cross-section, having a widthindicated at W₁ and a height H₁ which, in the illustrated embodiment,are substantially similar to each other. Eye portions 34, 36 as seen inFIG. 6 have a generally rectangular configuration in end view. Referringto FIG. 9, both the V-shaped root sections 34 c, 36 c and the half-torusshaped end sections 34 d, 36 d have cross-sections which are generallypolygonal, or rectangular, in cross-section.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, it will be seen that eye portion 34 lieswithin, or substantially occupies, a first plane 40 and eye portion 36lies within, or substantially occupies, a second plane 42. Planes 40, 42are each substantially central planes for their respective eye portions.Planes 40, 42 occupied by eye portions 34, 36, respectively, aredisposed at a substantial angle relative to each other, and in theembodiment illustrated are disposed substantially normal to, or at 90degrees relative to, each other.

[0042] As possibly best seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 one end portion ofjuncture section 30 flares outwardly in a first plane to initiateV-shaped root section 34 c, and at its opposite end portion flaresoutwardly in a second plane disposed at a substantial angle relative tothe first plane to initiate V-shaped root section 36 c.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the openings 34 a, 36 a have inwardlyfacing surfaces 46, 48, respectively. The half-torus shaped end sectionof each is formed in a half circle having a radius indicated generallyat R₁ in FIGS. 4 and 5. As best seen in FIG. 9, the inner surfaces 46,48 of the openings also are formed in a substantially convex curvehaving a radius indicated generally at R₂ in FIG. 9. It is preferablethat R₁ and R₂ be substantially similar.

[0044] Eye portion 34 has opposed side walls 52 a, 54 a which areseparated by a width indicated generally at W₂. Inner and outer walls46, 58 a of eye portion 34 are spaced apart by a distance, or height,indicated H₂. Distance H₂ preferably is less than twice R₁. Eye portion36 has side walls 52 b and 54 b which are spaced apart a distance W₃which is substantially equal to W₂ and has inner and outer walls 48, 58b which are separated by a distance H₂. Plane 40 substantially bisectsthe width W₂ of eye portion 34, while plane 42 substantially bisectswidth W₃ of eye portion 36.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 10-17, another embodiment of the invention isillustrated. The chain link in this chain is similar to that previouslydescribed, except for the general configuration of the eye portions atopposite ends of each link. Since the parts of the chain and the chainlinks are generally similar to those set out in FIGS. 2-9, a similarnumbering system will be used, with the addition of a “1” at thebeginning of each number. Thus the four substantially similar chainlinks shown interconnected in FIG. 10 are indicated at 120, 122, 124,126, respectively. Link 122, illustrated in greater detail in FIGS.11-17, is constructed in a second embodiment as a monolithic cast metalmember. It is elongate, having a longitudinal axis indicated generallyat 128 in FIG. 11.

[0046] The chain link illustrated in FIGS. 11-17 has a centrally locatedjuncture section 130, a first eye portion 134 integrally connected toone end of the juncture section, and a second eye portion 136 integrallyconnected to the opposite end of the juncture section.

[0047] The eye portions have open central regions 134 a, 136 a,respectively, with central axes 134 b, 136 b, respectively, extendingtherethrough. Central axes 134 b, 136 b each extend substantiallyperpendicular to longitudinal axis 128. Central axes 134 b, 136 b aredisposed at a substantial angle relative to each other. In theillustrated embodiment they extend substantially normal, orsubstantially at 90 degrees, relative to each other.

[0048] Each of the eye portions comprises a substantial portion of agenerally torus-shaped section integrally connected to the juncturesection 130.

[0049] As best seen in FIG. 16, juncture section 130 is substantiallypolygonal (in this case rectangular) in cross section, having a widthindicated at W₁ and a height H₁. Eye portions 134, 136, each have agenerally rectangular configuration and end view as seen in FIG. 14.

[0050] Referring still to FIG. 14, it will be seen that eye portion 134,lies within, or substantially occupies, a first plane 140, and eyeportion 136 lies within, or substantially occupies, a second plane 142.Planes 140, 142 are each substantially central planes for theirrespective eye portion. Planes 140, 142 occupied by eye portions 134,136, respectively, are disposed at a substantial angle relative to eachother, and in the embodiment illustrated are disposed substantiallynormal to, or at 90 degrees relative to, each other.

[0051] As possibly best seen in FIG. 11, one end portion of juncturesection 130 flares outwardly in a first plane to initiate a somewhatY-shaped root section 134 c for end portion 134, and at its opposite endportion flares outwardly in a second plane disposed at a substantialangle relative to the first plane to initiate a somewhat Y-shaped rootsection 136 c for eye portion 136.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the openings 134 a, 136 a, haveinwardly facing surfaces 146, 148, respectively. Opposite end portionsof these openings have a radius indicated generally a R₁ in FIGS. 12 and13. The openings are slightly elliptical, or oval, in configurationbeing somewhat longer in the direction of longitudinal axis 128 thanthey are wide.

[0053] As best seen in FIG. 17, the inner surfaces 146, 148 of theopenings also are formed in a substantially convex curve (as seen incross-section) having a radius indicated generally at R₂ in FIG. 17. Itis preferable that R₁ and R₂ be substantially similar.

[0054] Eye portion 134 has opposed side walls 152 a, 154 a which areseparated by a width indicated generally at W₂. Inner and outer walls146, 158 a of eye portion 134 are spaced apart by a distance, or height,indicated H₂. Distance H₂ preferably is less than twice radius R₁. Eyeportion 136 has side walls 152 b and 154 b which are spaced apart adistance W₃ which is substantially equal to W₂ and has inner and outerwalls 148, 158 b which are separated by a distance H2. Plane 140substantially bisects the width W₂ of eye portion 134, while plane 142substantially bisects width W₃ of eye portion 136.

[0055] A chain link constructed as described herein has substantialstrength and is able to be assembled with similar links, all of whichare disposed in substantially the same orientation throughout the lengthof the segment of chain when held straight as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0056] Explaining further, prior chains generally used a first chainlink having opposite ends with central axes which were substantiallyparallel to each other. These required the use of intermediate crosslinks, wherein the cross links were disposed at substantially 90 degreesrelative to the first link. With the configuration of a chain link asprovided herein there is no need for intermediate cross-links disposedat an angle relative to every other link in the chain. Here each linkhas an upright, or vertically disposed, eye, or end, portion, at one endof the link, and a horizontally disposed eye, or end, portion, at theopposite end. This permits the chain to be assembled as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 10, with all of the links disposed in substantially the sameorientation and each providing consistent load carrying capabilitiesthroughout the length of the chain.

[0057] Heavy load carrying capability is provided by the juncturesection having substantial mass and one end flaring outwardly in oneplane to initiate the root section of the first eye portion with theopposite end of the juncture section flaring outwardly in a second planedisposed at a substantial angle relative to the first plane to initiatethe root section for the second eye portion. The structure of thejuncture section and the root sections of the eye portions provideexcellent load carrying capability due to the advantageous alignmentwith force vectors which occur in the link when loaded.

[0058] Since the chain link is cast as a monolithic whole with a solidcentral juncture section and eye portions at opposite ends of thejuncture section, a tightly closed, exceptionally strong chain link isprovided which minimizes the possibility of stretching, twisting out ofshape, or rupturing. There is little, if any, possibility of deformationof the portion of the chain link between the eye portions due to itssolid, rugged monolithic structure.

[0059] Since the inner radius R₁ of an eye portion opening issubstantially similar to the radius R₂ of the convex curvature of theinner surface of its adjacent chain link, the links rest in close matingcontact for excellent load transfer between the chain links during usewhen the chain is assembled as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10.

[0060] A typical link constructed according to the present embodimentmay be on the order of 25 to 30 inches in overall length. Juncturesection dimensions H₁ and W₁ would be approximately four inches each. W₂and W₃ would be on order of 3.5 to 4.0 inch and H₂ would be on the orderof 3.25 to 3.75 inch. R₁ and R₂ each would be on the order of 2.0 to 2.5inch.

[0061] The chain links preferably are formed from a high-strength castalloy steel. Such chain links typically have tensile strengths in excessof 150,000 psi, and more preferably in excess of 175,000 psi. The chainlinks are cast as monolithic members having the general configurationillustrated. Subsequent to the casting process the chain links may beheat treated to increase the surface hardness in high wear areas, suchas in the bight areas where contiguous links will interengage and theouter surface areas of the link. The chain also may be made using abimetallic composition process such as Columbia Steel's XTEND PROCESS®on surfaces that are subject to high wear.

[0062] A chain comprising one or more chain links as illustrated can befabricated by casting a first set of links and then integrally casting asecond set of links, wherein each second-set link is situated between apair of first-set links. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 10, it is not necessaryto orient alternating links in different positions in the castingprocess. All of the links in a segment of chain as illustrated in FIGS.2 and 10 can be oriented substantially the same since each chain linkallows connection to a contiguous chain link.

[0063] Having described the principles of the invention with referenceto a detailed embodiment, it should be apparent that the invention canbe modified in arrangement and detail without departing from suchprinciples. In view of the many embodiments to which the principles ofthe invention can be applied, it should be understood that the detailedembodiment is exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting thescope of the invention. We claim as our invention all such embodimentsas may fall within the scope and spirit of the following claims andequivalents thereto.

1. An elongate chain link for use in a chain for heavy equipment, saidlink comprising a substantially centrally located juncture section, afirst eye portion integrally connected to one end of said juncturesection and a second eye portion integrally connected to the oppositeend of said juncture section, each of said eye portions having a centralaxis, and the central axis of the first eye portion is disposed at asubstantial angle relative to the central axis of the second eyeportion.
 2. The chain link of claim 1, wherein said central axis of thefirst eye portion occupies a plane disposed substantially normal to aplane occupied by the central axis of the second eye portion.
 3. Thechain link of claim 1, wherein said first eye portion occupies a firstplane, said second eye portion occupies a second plane, and said firstand second planes are disposed substantially normal to each other. 4.The chain of claim 3, wherein said chain link has a longitudinal axisand said first eye portion and second eye portion extend outwardly fromopposite ends of said juncture section along said longitudinal axis. 5.The chain link of claim 1, which has a longitudinal axis whichintersects the central axis of the first eye portion and the centralaxis of the second eye portion.
 6. The chain link of claim 1, whereineach of the eye portions comprises a generally V-shaped root sectionconnected to a substantially half-torus shaped end section.
 7. The chainlink of claim 6, wherein said root section and end section are each ofsubstantially polygonal cross-section.
 8. The chain link of claim 6,wherein said root section and end section are each of a substantiallyrectangular cross-section.
 9. The chain link of claim 6, wherein saidone end of said juncture section flares outwardly in first plane toinitiate the V-shaped root section of the first eye portion and theopposite end of said juncture section flares outwardly in a second planedisposed at a substantial angle relative to said first plane to initiatethe V-shaped root section of the second eye portion.
 10. The chain linkof claim 6, wherein said end section has an inner face directed towardthe central axis for said end portion and said inner face issubstantially convex in cross-section.
 11. The chain link of claim 1,wherein each of the eye portions comprises a major portion of agenerally torus-shaped section.
 12. The chain link of claim 11, whereinsaid generally torus-shaped section is substantially polygonal incross-section.
 13. The chain link of claim 11, wherein said generallytorus-shaped section is substantially rectangular in cross-section. 14.The chain link of claim 11, wherein said one end of said juncturesection flares outwardly in first plane to initiate the first eyeportion and the opposite end of said juncture section flares outwardlyin a second plane disposed at a substantial angle relative to said firstplane to initiate the second eye portion.
 15. The chain link of claim11, wherein said generally torus-shaped section has an inner facedirected toward the central axis for said end portion and said innerface is substantially convex in cross-section.
 16. The chain link ofclaim 1, wherein said juncture section has a substantially polygonalcross-section.
 17. The chain link of claim 1, wherein said juncturesection has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
 18. The chainlink of claim 1, wherein said chain link is monolithic.
 19. The chainlink of claim 1, wherein said link is made of alloy steel.
 20. The chainlink of claim 1, wherein said link is made of cast alloy steel.
 21. Thechain link of claim 1, wherein said link is made of high-strength castalloy steel with a tensile strength of at least 150,000 psi.
 22. Thechain link of claim 1, wherein said link is a monolithic member cast inthe configuration described in alloy steel.
 23. An elongate monolithicchain link having a longitudinal axis comprising a substantiallycentrally located juncture section, a first eye portion integrallyconnected to one end of said juncture section and a second eye portionintegrally connected to the opposite end of said juncture section, eachof said eye portions extending outwardly from said juncture sectionalong said longitudinal axis, each eye portion having an opening with acentral axis, with the central axis of the first eye portion disposed ata substantial angle relative to the central axis of the second eyeportion, and one end of said juncture section flares outwardly in afirst plane to initiate the first eye portion and the opposite end ofthe juncture section flares outwardly in a second plane at a substantialangle relative to said first plane to initiate the second eye portion.24. A chain for use in heavy equipment comprising a plurality ofinterconnected elongate chain links of substantially similarconfiguration, wherein a first one of said chain links has a contiguoussecond one of said chain links connected to one of its ends and acontiguous third one of said chain links connected to its opposite end,and said first, second and third chain links are all disposed insubstantially the same orientation when the chain is held substantiallystraight.
 25. The chain of claim 24, wherein each of said first, secondand third links comprises a substantially centrally located juncturesection, a first eye portion integrally connected to one end of saidjuncture section and a second eye portion integrally connected to theopposite end of said juncture section, each of said first and second eyeportions having a central axis, and the central axis of the first eyeportion is disposed at a substantial angle relative to the central axisof the second eye portion.
 26. The chain of claim 25, wherein saidcentral axis of the first eye portion occupies a plane disposedsubstantially normal to a plane occupied by the central axis of thesecond eye portion.
 27. The chain of claim 25, wherein said first eyeportion occupies a first plane, said second eye portion occupies asecond plane, and said first and second planes are disposedsubstantially normal to each other.
 28. The chain of claim 27, whereineach of said first and second eye portions of a link comprises asubstantially half-torus shaped end section, and the end section of thefirst eye portion of the first link extends through the second eyeportion of the second link.
 29. The chain of claim 25, wherein a chainlink has a longitudinal axis and said first eye portion and second eyeportion extend outwardly from opposite ends of said juncture sectionalong said longitudinal axis.
 30. The chain of claim 25, wherein each ofthe eye portions comprises a generally V-shaped root section connectedto a substantially half-torus shaped end section.
 31. The chain of claim30, wherein said one end of said juncture section flares outwardly inone plane to initiate the V-shaped root section of the first eye portionand the opposite end of said juncture section flares outwardly in asecond plane disposed at a substantial angle relative to said one planeto initiate the V-shaped root section of the second eye portion.
 32. Thechain of claim 30, wherein said root section and end section are each ofsubstantially polygonal cross-section.
 33. The chain of claim 30,wherein said root section and end section are each of a substantiallyrectangular cross-section.
 34. The chain of claim 25, wherein each ofthe eye portions comprises a major portion of a generally torus-shapedsection.
 35. The chain of claim 34, wherein said one end of saidjuncture section flares outwardly in one plane to initiate the first eyeportion and the opposite end of said juncture section flares outwardlyin a second plane disposed at a substantial angle relative to said oneplane to initiate the second eye portion.
 36. The chain of claim 25wherein said juncture section has a substantially polygonalcross-section.
 37. The chain of claim 25, wherein said juncture sectionhas a substantially rectangular cross-section.
 38. The chain of claim25, wherein said chain link is monolithic.
 39. The chain of claim 25,wherein said link is made of cast alloy steel.
 40. The chain of claim25, wherein said link is a monolithic member cast in the configurationdescribed in alloy steel.
 41. A chain for use in heavy equipmentcomprising a plurality of interconnected elongate chain links ofsubstantially similar configuration, wherein a first one of said chainlinks has a contiguous second one of said chain links connected to oneof its ends and a contiguous third one of said chain links connected toits opposite end, and said first, second and third chain links are alldisposed in substantially the same orientation when the chain is heldsubstantially straight, each of said first, second and third linkshaving an elongate monolithic structure with a longitudinal axis andcomprising a substantially centrally located juncture section, a firsteye portion integrally connected to one end of said juncture section anda second eye portion integrally connected to the opposite end of saidjuncture section, each of said eye portions extending outwardly fromsaid juncture section along said longitudinal axis, each eye portionhaving an opening with a central axis, with the central axis of thefirst eye portion disposed at a substantial angle relative to thecentral axis of the second eye portion, with one end of said juncturesection flaring outwardly in a first plane to initiate the first eyeportion and the opposite end of the juncture section flaring outwardlyin a second plane at a substantial angle relative to said first plane toinitiate the second eye portion.